GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court adjourned a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on Thursday seeking the declaration of an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park in Assam. The adjournment was made in light of ongoing proceedings on the same matter before the Supreme Court.
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The PIL, filed by senior journalist Rajeev Bhattacharyya, calls for the establishment of an ESZ to protect the biodiversity of Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The petition argues that despite directives from the Supreme Court, the Assam government has not taken the necessary steps to notify the ESZ.
During the hearing, counsel for the Assam government stated that the issue is already being considered by the Supreme Court, which has passed various orders regarding it. The state’s counsel requested that the High Court case remain pending until the Supreme Court delivers a final ruling.
Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi, after reviewing the submissions, postponed the hearing, allowing the petitioners to re-list the case after the Supreme Court issues its decision.
The PIL stated, "This PIL petition is filed on behalf of the petitioner raising a concern that despite clear orders from the Hon’ble Supreme Court from time to time, the State Government has not declared the Eco Sensitive Zone/Eco Sensitive Area in respect of the Kaziranga National Park till date."
It further pointed out, "Several orders passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in WP(C) No.202/1995 (In Re: T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad -Vs- Union of India & Ors.) have been relied upon, yet the Assam Government has failed to act."
The petition also demanded accountability, stating, "A court-monitored investigation or a CBI inquiry is necessary to unravel the reasons behind the delayed notification of the ESZ, and for the immediate removal of all illegal structures within the notified animal corridors."
The PIL also raised concerns over illegal activities such as mining and the construction of resorts within wildlife corridors near Kaziranga, calling for an investigation into the delay in notifying the ESZ.